One day later, in a mountain range a thousand miles from the Jiuxiao Sect.
Besides the Jiuxiao Sect’s forces, many others were gathered, eagerly awaiting the first news.
Members of the Jiuxiao Sect and Gunlong Sect had gone to scout for information, but no reports had returned yet.
By now, the Martial Emperors should have reached the Demon Sect a day or two ago, and both sides were likely engaged in battle.
The battle’s outcome was probably not far off.
The crowd was growing impatient, as this was a matter concerning the entire Southeast Domain’s situation.
“Over twenty Martial Emperors against the three sects’ Martial Emperors, with nine of them already heavily injured, their combat strength shouldn’t be too strong. A day’s fighting should settle it.”
“The Demon, Evil, and Nether Sects will likely be wiped out. But I wonder if any Martial Emperors will escape, given their strong escape abilities.”
“If any Martial Emperors escape, they’ll pose a huge threat to all forces. They’ll likely be hunted for a long time.”
“Some of the orthodox side’s Martial Emperors might fall too.”
“Even if the three sects are destroyed, the orthodox side might continue fighting, and more Martial Emperors could fall.”
…
Various discussions continued, with everyone filled with anticipation. For the countless people present, they desperately hoped the three sects would be eradicated.
They also hoped more of the orthodox side’s Martial Emperors would fall. Fewer Martial Emperor forces would benefit them.
The Jiuxiao Sect and Gunlong Sect members were also anxiously waiting.
Although the orthodox Martial Emperors held the advantage, once the three sects were defeated, the Lingjian Sect’s Martial Emperors might turn on their side’s Martial Emperors.
Then, every Martial Emperor from their two sects could be at risk.
“I hope the Sect Leader and others return safely,” a Half-Step Martial Emperor from the Gunlong Sect sighed, gazing into the distance.
“Don’t worry. The Lingjian Sect doesn’t have a numbers advantage either. It’s uncertain who’ll lose out,” a Half-Step Martial Emperor from the Jiuxiao Sect said confidently.
“I hope so,” the Gunlong Sect elder nodded.
“Swish!” At that moment, a golden light streaked across the sky, heading towards the gathering.
Soon, the golden light entered the crowd’s view, slowing down. A young man’s figure appeared in their sights.
“Lin Xiao! It’s Lin Xiao!” The Gunlong Sect Half-Step Martial Emperor trembled, shouting out.
Not just him, countless others exclaimed in shock.
Lin Xiao’s return meant the battle’s outcome was clear, right?
The crowd erupted!
But as they came to their senses, confusion spread.
Why had only Lin Xiao returned?
Had something gone wrong?
All eyes fixed on Lin Xiao, and the Jiuxiao Sect and Gunlong Sect members rushed forward to meet him.
“Lin Xiao, what’s the battle’s outcome?” a Gunlong Sect Half-Step Martial Emperor asked, unable to hold back, as Lin Xiao stood on the Void Heaven Phoenix Wings, halting in the void.
The other elders and disciples stared at Lin Xiao tensely.
Of course, Ling Hu, Zi Ling, and others who had obtained resources from the Saint Emperor Ruins were still in seclusion and had not come.
Scanning the two sects’ forces and the crowd, Lin Xiao spoke truthfully, “There was a complication.”
His words sent a shock through the crowd. Had something gone wrong with the attack on the three sects?
“What about the others?” a Jiuxiao Sect Half-Step Martial Emperor elder asked nervously.
“The Demon, Evil, and Nether Sects had hidden Martial Emperors and four mysterious experts who never appeared before. One was strong enough to fend off both the Lingjian Sect Leader and our Sect Leader together. Their Martial Emperors numbered seventeen.”
Lin Xiao answered honestly, “Moreover, seven from the orthodox side were attackers who betrayed us. In the battle, the orthodox side suffered heavy losses. Emperor Yu, one from Lingjian Sect, one from Juedao Sect, and Elder Meng Gang have fallen…”
Lin Xiao detailed the entrapment formation and the battle within it.
Of course, he did not reveal that Li Renchou broke the formation, instead attributing it to a mysterious expert.
“What?”
After Lin Xiao finished, everyone was stunned.
Zhen Huang, Fan Huang, Jin Huang, Mu Huang, Tang Huang, Xiang Huang, and Duan Huang were attackers?
The orthodox side was trapped in the formation, ambushed and slaughtered?
This news far exceeded everyone’s expectations!
Even if the orthodox side suffered heavy losses and fought on, with more falling, they could imagine that.
But the attackers had more numbers and trapped the orthodox side in the formation, with four Martial Emperors already dead. This outcome was far from what they had hoped.
Especially for the Jiuxiao Sect members, their Third Elder had fallen in the Demon Sect, a result they found hard to accept.
“It won’t be long before the other Martial Emperors escape, but they might lead the attackers here,” Lin Xiao said gravely, scanning the crowd. “Everyone, if you don’t want trouble, leave now!”
Surprised murmurs arose.
But Lin Xiao’s words were true. The attackers held a huge advantage and might pursue.
Then, the Gunlong Sect, Jiuxiao Sect, and everyone present could be in danger.
This sect-destroying battle was no longer just a conflict between Martial Emperors.
Lin Xiao’s tone carried a warning.
With his current strength, he could sweep everyone present, not to mention the support of the Gunlong and Jiuxiao Sects.
When Lin Xiao told them to leave, they dared not linger and departed.
After the outsiders left, Lin Xiao addressed the two sects, “Elders, brothers, to be safe, it’s best to split up and hide.”
The two sects’ members looked grave.
The attackers were powerful, with one even the Gunlong Sect Leader could not match. If the orthodox Martial Emperors scattered and the attackers pursued, staying together could lead to annihilation.
Against Martial Emperors, they had little resistance.
“Let’s attack the attackers’ families now!” a young disciple shouted in anger.
“Right, let’s kill those traitors to avenge our Third Elder!” a Jiuxiao Sect disciple echoed.
“What do our two sects count for, daring to attack our Gunlong Sect’s elders? We’ll make them pay!”
“Let’s wipe them out now!”
“We must destroy the attackers’ families!”
…
Angry shouts rose, each person brimming with killing intent, eager to charge at the attackers’ families.
Lin Xiao signaled for calm, then said, “The attackers’ Martial Emperors might return. Going there could be dangerous. Wait for the Sect Leaders to return before deciding.”
If the orthodox Martial Emperors escaped, the attackers’ families might pursue or return to their bases.
If the Gunlong and Jiuxiao Sects attacked and encountered returning Martial Emperors, it would be catastrophic, a pointless sacrifice.
“As for dealing with the attackers’ families, leave it to me. Give me some resources, and I’ll travel to their families at top speed,” Lin Xiao said to the group.
After a moment’s thought, a Jiuxiao Sect Half-Step Martial Emperor elder nodded, “Good! Destroying the attackers’ families is up to you. Our Jiuxiao Sect has enough resources.”
The Gunlong Sect elders also nodded.
With Lin Xiao’s strength, he could wipe out any family without a Martial Emperor.
Even if a Martial Emperor returned, they would not threaten Lin Xiao, making him the best choice.
After pooling enough pills, spirit stones, and a map of the families’ locations, a Gunlong Sect elder cautioned, “Lin Xiao, be careful.”
Lin Xiao nodded, saying, “Elders, brothers, thank you for your trust. Rest assured, I, Lin Xiao, will make the attackers pay!”
“Take care!”
With that, Lin Xiao infused a large pile of spirit stones into the Void Heaven Phoenix Wings. A golden light enveloped him, and like a beam of light, he soared into the sky on the wings.
